Epic Theatre Ensemble

Epic Theatre Ensemble, founded in 2001, is a company of artists dedicated to making theater Off-Broadway and in the New York Public Schools that inspires dialogue about social, ethical, and political issues. The company believes theater that addresses these issues and develops imagination, empathy, and person ethics is critical to the health of our democracy. Programming includes full productions, new play development initiatives, and in- and after-school arts-in-education programs. The company has developed 18 new works of socially-minded theater that includes nationally-recognized commissions, such as Palace of the End by Judith Thompson and No Child . . . by Nilaja Sun. They have received honors such as the Obie, Otto, and Lucille Lortel Outer Critics. Their education programs use theater to foster empathy, create civic dialogue, and empower student voices in their own communities and beyond. Shakespeare Remix, the company's after-school program, was the recipient of the 2009 Coming Up Taller Award, the nation's highest honor for after-school programs.

As part of Shakespeare for a New Generation, Epic Theatre Ensemble will present Macbeth, directed by Co-Founder Ron Russell and featuring nine core member. It will have a three-week run at a professional theater in Manhattan that will provide access to schools from four New York City boroughs. Activities will include post-performance discussions and a presentation of Epic NEXT’s reflection piece, Don’t Lose Your Head, based on Macbeth, and the after school program, Shakespeare Remix. The student's involvement in this program will act as a centerpiece of their English and history classes.